Chinese gadget makers embrace new IoT standard to ease security concerns – South China Morning Post
Chinese gadget makers embrace new IoT standard to ease security concerns South China Morning Post
Tag Archive for: Gadget
10 Helpful Tools You Can Unlock Using Google Search, Google Assistant, or the Google App on Your Phone « Smartphones :: Gadget Hacks
Google has a few hidden tools you might not have discovered yet, and they work in Google Search, in the Google app, and with Google Assistant — on both iPhone and Android phones.
We all know smartphones do much more than make phone calls. They serve as cameras, GPS navigators, music players, portable televisions, web browsers, and even flashlights, making other gadgets that serve those singular purposes nearly obsolete.
But your phone can replace other tools, such as dice, guitar tuners, and bubble levels, with assistance from Google. And you don’t need to install an app to access them unless you want to use the Google or Google Assistant app and don’t already have one of them (many Android phones come with at least one preinstalled).
Google Search Tools
These tools below are accessible on your iPhone or Android phone by performing a Google search in your browser at google.com or by searching in the free Google app for iOS or Android. Some of them can even be called up with Google Assistant.
When searching for these tools, you can tap the button with the downward-pointing chevron to find the other available tools. You’ll see a tab for games and toys, but we’re currently focusing on the tools. All but one of these tools are also accessible via desktop browsers.
1. Flip a Coin
Search “flip a coin” to access Google’s coin. The virtual coin will spin and flip before landing on a side. Tap the “FLIP AGAIN” button to repeat.
2. Roll a Die or Set of Dice
Search Google for “roll a die” or “roll dice” to roll one six-sided die. You can also specify multiple dice and other types of dice.
There are dice with 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 20 sides. For example, “roll 3 d12” gives you a trio of 12-sided dice, while “roll 5 d20” gives you five 20-sided dice. Google will display the rolled dice and the resulting total number.
With the on-screen interface, you can tap the “Roll” button to roll the dice again. Tap the dice in the white space to clear them. In the toolbar below the white space, tap the die options to roll an additional die onto the white area. You can also tap the +/- button to add a modifier to the roll total.
3. Spinner
If you’d prefer to spin a wheel for your random number generator, Google has…
How to Check Your Android Security Patch Level to See if You’re Protected Against the Latest Vulnerabilities « Android :: Gadget Hacks
Numerous potential exploits are found for every operating system each month, and Android is no exception. Trouble is, lots of Android devices don’t receive timely updates — but many are now getting regular monthly security patches to at least shore up these vulnerabilities.
If you want protection from the latest dangerous hack, you’ll need to be on the newest security patch level. Google publishes these each month alongside a report on what’s been changed, but they can only guarantee the updates will be sent out to their own Pixel devices. For all other phones, there’s a chance you might not receive the security patch in a timely manner, but at least there’s a way to check.
Checking Your Security Patch Level
Different Android skins place their settings in varying locations, so we’ve divided this guide up by manufacturer. If your OEM is not listed below, try the Google/Stock Android method, as it’s typically the most universal.
1. Samsung
Samsung has taken so much criticism over the years about their poor update schedules that, in response, they’ve slowly become one of the best Android OEMs at updating their phones.
To check your security patch level on a Galaxy phone, open Settings, then scroll down toward the bottom and select About Phone. Inside, tap Software Information, then you’ll see the Android security patch level at the very bottom of the list.
2. Google/Stock Android
Google is responsible for the base-level patches for all of Android, but they also handle all software updates for both the Pixel line and any Android One device.
To check your security patch level on a Google-developed phone, start by opening your Settings app. From there, scroll down and choose About Phone towards the bottom. Next, tap Android Version, then your Android security update level will be displayed towards the top of the screen.
3. OnePlus
OnePlus’ lauded OxygenOS skin is close to stock Android, but it still reorganizes the Settings menu a bit. OxygenOS is also updated fairly frequently.
To check your security patch level on a OnePlus phone, open your Settings app and scroll down almost all the way to the bottom to tap About Phone. Here, tap Android Version, then you’ll see your Android security update…